Run Wild (or Leash-Free)

The first day of summer falls on June 20, and with more hours of sunlight, there's time to bring the dog out to a few leash-free areas.

Nate's Point Dog Park (2500 Balboa Dr) at the end of the Cabrillo Bridge (aka Laurel St Bridge) at Balboa Park is leash-free and mixes large and small breeds together. The dog park has tennis balls for all to use, and a doggie drinking fountain in addition to a large running space. According to the website, "The off-leash area is approximately 2.3 acres in size, and has been used as a dog park since 1996." Nate's Point is open year-round.

The Dog Beach in Ocean Beach (W Point Loma Blvd & Voltaire St) at the end of the 8 west freeway is another off-leash dog beach. Dogs of all sizes are welcome to roam and splash in the surf. Dogs and humans can be seen paddling in the current of the Mission Bay Channel. This dog beach is open 24 hours a day. Weekends can be very busy.

Here we are on a clear weekday at the OB Dog Beach.

Coronado Dog Beach (101 Ocean Blvd) is located near Sunset Park and the Hotel del Coronado. This more secluded dog beach is smaller than the Dog Beach in OB, and good for dogs who enjoy less populated areas.